The need for joint replacement can often create a high level of anxiety for both patients and their families. There is pre-surgery preparation, the replacement itself and a recovery period that follows. As such, you want to feel secure and have a team of specialists that offer personalized care from the moment a joint problem is diagnosed throughout the entire rehabilitation process and beyond.
So what is joint replacement? Simply defined, an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. By replacing this joint, the goal is to relieve the pain that may cause a person to avoid using it thus weakening the surrounding muscles. Through a proper physical examination and other testing, the extent of the damage is evaluated and total joint replacement may be considered if other treatment options will not relieve your pain and disability.
When it comes to such an important diagnosis and treatment plan, you want to be in good hands.
As a forerunner in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal services, Crozer-Keystone Health System provides a comprehensive program that includes joint care, sports medicine, outpatient rehabilitation and other related care. They are specialists in surgery, therapy, education, medical management and more. The team’s approach is designed to get you back to your normal routine quickly and safely. To illustrate this commitment, they have even taken it a step further.
In 2010, Crozer-Keystone’s Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Taylor Hospital each proudly earned disease-specific certification in hip and knee replacement surgery by The Joint Commission. To earn this distinction, a disease management program undergoes an extensive on-site evaluation by a team of Joint Commission reviewers every two years.
Some specific requirements include following nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines, measuring quality indicators and providing enhanced education for staff and patients on total joint replacement. Certification demonstrates the programs offered at these locations have met the highest national standards.
For you, it translates to patient safety, quality care and significantly improving the outcomes and satisfaction in joint replacement.
“We are proud to offer hip and knee replacement services at Crozer-Keystone hospitals that rival any health system in the region. These certifications are a clear affirmation of the quality of care that we provide to the people of Delaware County,” says Frank Giammattei, MD, chief of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.
In addition to state-of-the-art surgical care, the three hospitals also offer complimentary, preoperative joint replacement education classes to help patients prepare for their experience. Their specialized inpatient units are devoted to joint replacement patients, clearly understanding all the questions and concerns that may arise. Lastly, physical and occupational therapists help patients recover from their surgery.
Together with Premier Orthopaedics, the largest orthopaedics practice in Delaware County, the Premier/Crozer-Keystone Orthopaedic Partnership has a reputation as Delaware County's most renowned team of orthopaedic specialists. Like its spokesperson, Vince Papale, the physicians share his same dedication, hard work and commitment with their patients each and every day.
“You can’t make it on skill alone. Determination. Heart. Pride. They’re how a 30-year-old school teacher ends up playing professional football for his hometown team,” says Papale, the Glenolden native who famously became the oldest rookie to play professional football when he joined “the birds” in 1976. “The tryout was the opportunity of a lifetime. But I still had to earn the job each time I put on that kelly green uniform.”
He continues, “Every day the Premier/Crozer-Keystone Orthopaedics Partnership earns their reputation as Delaware County’s most renowned team of orthopaedic specialists. By earning the trust of their patients. With experience and passion. With dedication and hard work. Mostly, by never forgetting their commitment to the community. Qualities that enabled them to reach their full potential—just like they did for me.”
In line with its commitment to excellence and the community, the Premier/
Crozer-Keystone Orthopaedics Partnership is founding sponsors for the region’s two professional soccer teams—the Philadelphia Union and the Philadelphia Independence.
As the teams’ health care provider and official medical physicians, they are responsible for all players’ examinations, including a detailed cardiovascular and musculoskeletal evaluation. With the inherent risks of lower extremity injuries to the hips and ankles, it is important to know there is also someone on the sidelines available to provide the most optimal treatment.
The region, though, is also filled with aspiring young athletes; and in a year where the World Cup is being watched worldwide, professional soccer is the craze. As part of its efforts, Crozer-Keystone and Premier teamed up with the Southeastern Pennsylvania soccer community to develop an educational DVD about injury prevention for younger athletes as well as other outreach programs.
With locations in Upland, Drexel Hill and Ridley Park, Crozer-Keystone offers patients throughout the region convenient access to top physicians in the field of musculoskeletal services.
To learn more about Crozer-Keystone’s joint replacement and other orthopaedic services or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-CK-MOTION (1-877-256-6846) or visit ckhshmi.crozer.org. Online appointment scheduling is available.
Glori Gayster is a freelance writer and marketing professional based in South Jersey.
